Good wine can and should be enjoyed year-round – and this summer, it doesn’t even have to be in a glass! The winemakers at Pennsylvania’s wineries have put together cool recipes for warm-weather, from frozen favorites like wine-infused popsicles to perfect picnic dishes like Chardonnaychicken salad sandwiches.

“Drinking wine, and enjoying local wineries, is a social experience, and there is so much more to that than just sipping from a glass,” said Jennifer Eckinger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Winery Association. “So we gathered summer-time recipes from across the state – and discovered some pretty unique and interesting ways to integrate local flavors into your grilling, picnics and backyard BBQs … and even ideas to cool down after a long, hot day with delicious treats like wine slushies and fruit popsicles.”

These recipes and more are available at PA Wine Land, along with picnic packing tips, wine pairings and other useful summer entertaining ideas.

Feel free to experiment with the different wines in the recipes, Eckinger added – “there are more than enough to choose from in PA!”

Another tip: check with your fellow foodies to see if anyone has any dietary restrictions. You can add in grilled veggies or a caprese sandwich (with PA Preferred Mozzarella, PA tomatoes, local basil, a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper) for any non-meat eaters.

I am passionate about wine, history and art. As an experienced wineo, I have deep respect for those who have the skills to blend art and science into a bottle of great wine; I truly don’t know how a vintner can possibly tango with Mother Nature all year...